What's Next for WWE NXT?

On the June 1st first season finale of NXT, the WWE Universe watched as Wade Barrett earned a WWE Pay-Per-View Championship match as the winner of NXT. Aside from naming the winner of the contest, there were several other big announcements made pertaining to the future of NXT. Not only did we learn that the second season of NXT begins next week but instead of placing the power exclusively in the Pros' hands, the WWE Universe now has a say in determining the next breakout star. Part of the excitement in learning that we can participate as fans included meeting the NXT Season 2 cast of Rookies for the first time.

Husky Harris was the first Rookie announced on the season finale of NXT. In his video package, Harris mentioned that he is a third generation superstar as son of Mike "IRS." Rotunda and Grandson of Blackjack Mulligan. If that isn't enough, Harris' uncles are Barry & Kendall Windham. Before adopting the not-so-exciting "Husky Harris" ring name, the 23 year old worked in Florida Championship Wrestling as Duke Rotundo. Relatively new to the business, Husky Harris has the benefit of coming from a line of prominent contributors to the wrestling industry. In his first year with FCW, Harris managed to capture the Tag-Team Championships alongside his brother Bo Rotundo. Harris is paired with second generation star Cody Rhodes. "I don't want to be Dusty Rhodes Jr... I want to be Cody Rhodes" said the second generation star in an interview last month. Perhaps the name change and the unique pairing with Cody will present exciting opportunities for Husky Harris.

The next Rookie introduced last night stands at 7'2 and weighs 350lbs. Mentored by Pro John Morrison, Eli Cottonwood looks to be a force to be reckoned with on NXT. Following a fairly successful career in college and professional basketball, Cottonwood made his professional wrestling debut in Florida Championship Wrestling in 2009. Cottonwood has the look and isn't burdened with the excess weight that often comes with athletes of his height. He appears to be more agile or mobile than Khali or Big Show, though more of his in-ring work will be revealed next season. Cottonwood spent most of his FCW career celebrating victory over lesser opponents such as DJ Gabriel, Dutch Mantel, and Max McGuirk. The key disadvantage I see in Cottonwood is his age, potentially beginning his WWE career as a 35 year old. Otherwise, I am excited to see what Cottonwood can do in the ring and hopefully having the athletically gifted Morrison in his corner will push him to be a more creative "big guy" in the ring.

Percy Watson was the next rookie introduced as the Rookie for Pro Montel Vontavious Porter. Watson is, how do you say, over the top. The charismatic 6'2 200 pounder had actually been a part of The South Beach Boys with NXT Season 1 Rookie Darren Young in Florida Championship Wrestling. I haven't seen much of Watson's in ring work but have watched some of his promos and I think he may have to tone it down a bit. Unless he is absolutely vicious in the ring, I see Watson as more of a comedy character than a threat in NXT.

Now when you think about a threat, you may want to look at Titus O'Neil. Zack Ryder's rookie is 33 years old standing at 6'4, 263 pounds. The large athlete is a former defensive end for the Florida Gators. Judging by his NXT video package, it doesn't seem like O'Neil has all that much charisma or acting skills but hopefully those can develop working with Zach Ryder. With only a year under his belt, O'Neil's lack of charisma and experience will definitely be his disadvantages.

Daniel Bryan was the "internet darling", the independent sensation who was paired with the Miz and lost every match he had competed in while an active contestant on NXT. It seemed that WWE just wanted to play around with the internet wrestling community and it appears they're back at it. The next Rookie revealed was Kaval, known to longtime fans as either Low-Ki (ROH, Japan, independents) or Senshi (TNA). While it's great to see Kaval on NXT, his mentors are... get ready... Michelle McCool and Divas Search winner Layla. Perhaps the pairing was made because Kaval doesn't have any other disadvantages when placed beside the rest of the cast members for Season 2. Kaval has twelve years of experience, more than both of his Pros combined. He's held World Titles in almost every promotion he's worked for. He was the first Ring Of Honor Heavyweight Champion and in TNA Wrestling he'd captured the NWA Tag-Team Championships three times and the X-Division Championship twice. The only disadvantage Kaval has are the two beautiful women that will be standing on either side of him.

Lucky Cannon is a 6'6 265 pounds former sheriff deputy who has been wrestling in FCW since 2007 as Johnny Prime. I would say that Cannon has one of the best combinations of looks and charisma of the entire cast. Look at Prime's Myspace, or some of his FCW tapes, and you will see that he looks like a pro wrestling star. Perhaps the unluckiest news for Cannon was his being paired with Mark Henry. Perhaps the 26 year old can learn something from Henry who has successfully lingered around WWE for close to 14 years.

Introduced next was Michael McGillicutty, another third-generation star as the grandson of Larry "The Ax" Hennig and son of WWE Hall of Famer "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig. Instead of carrying on the Hennig name though, the former Joe Hennig was given the name "Michael McGillicutty". With three years experience, the former FCW Heavyweight Champion was paired with one of the best Pros in season 2, Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston. 30 years old and standing 6'3, 235 pounds, McGillicutty brings the experience of training under WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race.

Alex Riley was the final Rookie introduced for Season 2 with his mentor, returning Pro, the Miz. This is an interesting combination as the cocky 29 year old Riley has very much the same type of character as the Miz. It is already clear that this duo is going to get on everyone's nerves next season. Riley, the current FCW Heavyweight Champion, has experience wrestling in front of large crowds as he's worked a number of dark matches and house shows for WWE.